Life in Vain: Jobless Reincarnation

192 – The Ex-Master’s Wedding – I

A few peaceful and uneventful days passed by.

Rudy earned a reputation as the cool absentee teacher who gave his students plenty of free time. And he also earned a reputation as the cruel bastard who publicly humiliated the students who took advantage of his grace by roasting them in front of the class.

And not just metaphorically. The last assignment was patterning mana in different ways to generate 'heat' and also unravel the true nature of 'fire,' and the poor saps who didn't study were burnt to a crisp.

Of course, since their professor was also a God-ranked healer, they didn't even have wounds to complain about, so...

In any case, time passed.

People went on with their daily lives, like how Paul and the revived <Fangs of the Black Wolf> were making a name for themselves clearing dungeons and recruiting new members.

But soon it was time for another fateful day.

Roxy stared at her reflection in a floating mirror.

Since the wedding was taking place at the academy, she had converted her office to a makeshift dressing room for the bride.

And as to said bride's bridesmaids...

Rika sprayed a bit of mist from a bottle to fluff up Roxy's hair and said, "You have some nerve requesting us as your bridesmaid, Roxy. Especially your Empress."

Sylphy adjusted a light blue ribbon over Roxy's neck, tying it into a bow. "I know this is to send a message, Roxy, but wow." She stepped back and said, "I wouldn't be brave enough to do it."

Eri finished lacing the long white gloves on Roxy's arms and then glanced at Sylphy. "Don't lie. If not for the fact that your mom said not to, you totally would have done it."

Sylphy giggled.

Roxy blushed at hearing the conversation and said, "W-Well, I don't have many friends, so who else was I going to ask? Some students?"

Eri nodded. "You could have."

Sylphy nodded as well. "Aisha would have volunteered."

Even Rika nodded. "Any student would have done fine and been honored."

Roxy gave the three a blank stare and then said, "You are all strangely in sync these days..."

Light feminine laughter echoed from nearby. The source of it was a young and petite woman who looked similar to Roxy.

Roxy blushed and then looked over. "This isn't funny, Mother."

Roxy's mother smiled and said, "Sorry. But I'm just surprised." She looked at the other women and said, "To think that our Roxy found such an accepting family like this... I'm so happy for you."

Roxy shifted in place, embarrassed. "...A lot has changed, Mother."

"A lot has indeed!" Roxy's Mother laughed and said, "To think our little Roxy who used to trip over everything would get so... big! You always did say you would find a way to grow up, but it's amazing you actually did!"

Sylphy's ear twitched and then she looked over at Roxy's Mother. "She did, Miss Roxy's Mother?"

"Oh yes!" Roxy's Mother nodded and said, "And Rokari is fine, dear." She raised her hand to her mouth and laughed. "Our Roxy was always a quiet and stubborn child. When she found out she'd be always be small, she swore she'd definitely, definitely get bigger and show everyone."

Roxy coughed. "I-It wasn't exactly like that, Mother..."

Roxy's Mother, Rokari, sighed and placed a hand on her cheek. "When she left the village, we were worried we might never see her again. Thirty years passed by without a single letter..."

Roxy felt a stab of guilt in her chest.

Eri gave Roxy a blank stare.

Roxy coughed and said, "There were complicated circumstances, okay?"

After that, she glanced at her mom and sent a mental message.

'Can you please stop that, Mother?!'

Rokari's eyes widened and then she started to tear up.

...Oh.

Dammit. She was spending too much time around Rudy.

How could she forget the whole reason she stormed off from home when she was younger?

Rika stared at Rokari and frowned. "Is it that emotional, Miss Rokari?"

Rokari brushed her tears aside and said, "Today is indeed an emotional day. Thank Emperor Rudras..."

Roxy flinched. "Emperor Rudras?"

Rokari nodded. "That's right. Ah!" She bowed her head towards Rika. "And thank you as well, Empress Rika."

Rika waved her hand. "Such a simple matter requires no thanks."

"Even so." Rokari raised her head and said, "To think that Lord Rudras would personally transport my husband and I to our daughter's wedding. And then for you to agree to be my daughter's bridesmaid as well... It's a great favor we can never repay."

Rika blinked and then turned to Roxy, confusion clear on her face.

Roxy fidgeted in place.

Eri groaned and said, "There's being ashamed to meet your parents, and then there's being this." She sighed and said, "Roxy. You seriously couldn't just tell them?"

"Pardon?" Rokari looked around, confused. "Tell me what?"

Roxy coughed, feeling her face heat up. "That... Well..."

She paused, realizing how awkward it was to say this now that the whole thing in Arcadia had happened. Especially since her parents were clearly devout followers of Rudy and the Arcadian Empire...

"...Um. I'm marrying that Emperor Rudras, Mother."

Silence.

Roxy felt like her face was on fire.

Ugh. Timing! There was timing for these things!

How could she forget?!

Dammit, her teacher was right about spending too much time cooped up in her office. The basic social cues, interactions!

Aaahhh.

Rokari blinked and tilted her head. But then her eyes lit up. "Oh!" She looked at Rika, and then at Sylphy and Eri. "Then are you all Emperor Rudras's wives?"

Rika nodded. "That is correct." She paused. "...Well, in part?" She glanced back at Eri.

Eri hummed and said, "Well, I'm married to Rudeus Notus Greyrat, and the same with Sylphy." She looked at Rika and said, "You're definitely not, since you're married to Emperor Rudras. And Rudy said he doesn't plan for our kids to get involved in the political ring of Arcadia..."

Sylphy frowned and said, "I still think Roland should be the crown prince."

Eri glanced at her and said, "Good luck convincing him. If Rolo was any more down to earth, he'd be buried six feet under. But anyway..." She frowned and looked at Roxy. "Since you're from the Magic Continent... are you marrying Rudy, or Emperor Rudras? We never really talked about that, right?"

Roxy blinked. "Does... it matter?" She turned to look at Rika.

Rika shrugged. "Practically, no. We all share the same husband. But politically..." She paused and said, "The children of 'Rudeus Notus Greyrat' would inevitably end up inheriting the Notus family whenever Paul steps down. And the children of 'Emperor Rudras' would be in line for the Arcadian Empire's throne."

Eri paused and then she let out a groan. "I forgot. Rudy was already a noble in Asura..."

Sylphy hummed. "Should we talk with Miss Ariel about purging that cesspool then?"

Eri gave a serious thought to the question. "Considering idiots like Luke exist because of it, maybe we should."

Roxy started to sweat and said, "I-I don't think we should be talking so casually about overthrowing a kingdom."

Sylphy giggled. "Should you be saying that, oh Callous Witch of Destruction?"

Roxy blushed and said, "It was one- Two... Only a half dozen times!"

At that time, Rokari placed her hands together in prayer and bowed her head. "Blessed be Emperor Rudras to not only reunite us with our wayward daughter, but to also accept such a clumsy child into his family..."

"Okay! I think that's enough, Mother!"

Eri frowned. "Don't be mean to your mother, Roxy."

Sylphy nodded. "Yeah! Family is important!"

Rika nodded as well. "You should be grateful you still have a mother who cares for you so much."

Roxy puffed her cheeks and said, "Why are you all teaming up on me? You're supposed to be on my side today!"

Eri shrugged. "We are. Which is why we're telling you how to be a proper person instead of a bookwork who studies magic all day."

"And since when are you the expert on that?" Roxy frowned and said, "Weren't you the one who refused to touch a book when you were a child?"

Eri nodded. "I was. Which is why I can firmly say that reading is best done in moderation."

"..."

Roxy should have just asked Aisha after all. Hah...

Rokari laughed. And shortly after that, a nostalgic male voice echoed in Roxy's mind.

'Is Roxy ready, Dear?'

Rokari's voice echoed in Roxy's mind after that. 'She is! And she can speak now!'

'Truly?!'

Roxy cleared her throat.

Rokari noticed and let out an apologetic expression.

Eri noticed as well, but she frowned and said, "What? Can't say anything back?"

Roxy shook her head. "No. It's... Never mind."

Eri looked upset, but Roxy ignored her for now and focused on responding to her father.

'Yes. I can use it now- Ah. I mean, I can speak now, Father.'

Silence.

Rokari teared up as well and then walked over to open the door.

Eri noticed and turned towards her. "Miss Rokari, wait-"

But before she finished, Rokari had already opened the door.

And there stood a young man, short enough to pass as a kid. And from how he was crying his eyes out, he looked just like a kid.

"Huh?" Eri blinked and said, "What's a kid doing here?"

Sylphy rolled her eyes and said, "Who's being rude now, Eri? That's Roxy's father."

"What?!" Eri turned back to look at Roxy's father. And then she placed her hand on her chin. "Wait. If that's Roxy's father... Huh. No wonder Roxy was a cradle ro-"

"AHEM!" Roxy cleared her throat.

Eri looked at her and said, "What? I heard the stories from Paul."

Roxy turned a bright red and said, "That bastard...!"

At that time, Roxy's father finally calmed down.

Rokari walked to his side and held his hand. After that, she smiled and said, "This is my husband, Rowin. And he's come to tell us that it's time. Right, Dear?"

Rowin nodded, still wiping away his tears.

Eri straightened up her outfit and then nodded. "Alright." She turned towards Roxy and said, "We'll go on ahead then."

Sylphy waved. "Good luck, Roxy!"

Rika let out a chuckle and said, "You'll need it later tonight."

Eri glared at Rika and said, "Hey!"

"What?" Rika tilted her head. "She will! That husband of ours is a monster! He'll eat her whole!"

Sylphy giggled and then fanned her face. "And isn't he great for that?"

Eri turned a bright red. "Stop! No talking about this in public!"

"But Eri-"

"Just come on already!" Eri grabbed both Sylphy and Rika and started dragging them away.

Seeing that, Rokari giggled. "Such a lively bunch..." She smiled and looked back at Roxy. "Well, I'll leave as well then."

And then it was just Roxy and her father, Rowin.

For a moment, it was silent.

And then Rowin stared at Roxy and sent her a mental message. 'You got so big, Roxy.'

Roxy blushed. '...I did a lot of research.'

...It definitely wasn't because she felt inadequate when considering the sort of women Sylphy and Eri would become.

...Though it was good that she did.

To think that Sylphy would cheat and grow 'that' so much... Especially with such a slim build too.

Didn't her back hurt?

Roxy had to use some specially engraved supporting bras to alleviate her backpain, but Sylphy didn't look like she used any.

...In fact, that crazy woman barely wore bras at all.

Eri made sense, since hers were big, but not over the top. It was the perfect balance to match with her physique.

And Rika definitely used some secret magic artifact or something.

But Sylphy...

Rowin laughed.

Roxy blinked and then looked away. "S-Sorry, Father."

Rowin smiled and then leaned up to pat Roxy's head. "No need to apologize. Your mother and I are just happy that you are well."

Another stab of guilt in her heart.

Roxy averted her gaze, unable to face her father's warm smile.

Even so, Rowin didn't mind.

He simply walked over to Roxy's right side and held out his left arm. "Shall we go?"

Roxy took her father's arm. Like that, the two started walking towards the courtyard where the ceremony would take place.

But...

"...This is a bit awkward." Roxy couldn't help but mutter as she walked.

Rowin laughed and said, "Since you grew so much, it looks like I am your child instead, doesn't it?" He sighed and said, "What wonderful surprises life brings."

"That's definitely true..."

If Roxy talked to herself from even ten years ago and said her life would end up like this, she wouldn't believe it.

...In fact, when she talked to the Roxy in that other timeline, that Roxy didn't believe it either.

It was a life completely beyond belief- No, beyond imagining.

Growing up, Roxy always thought she would fall in love with a man who swept her off her feet in a dungeon.

And to think that she did such a scandalous thing as to fall in love with her genius disciple instead...

Well. It was something she consciously decided and chose, so she couldn't back down now.

Roxy didn't have any regrets about loving Rudy or marrying him.

...But she did have a few regrets in general.

And as for the biggest one...

"I'm sorry for running away, Father."

Rowin patted Roxy's shoulder. "It's fine, Roxy. Although it hurt at first, after talking about it with your mother, we both thought it was for the better." He sighed and said, "Growing up in such oppressive silence must have been unbearable. And while we missed you, we both thought it would be best for you to venture outside. And it seems like it was. After all." He smiled and said, "You've found yourself a wonderful family."

Roxy smiled. "Indeed."

Rowin nodded and they continued on their way. As they walked though, he frowned and said, "But I'm still surprised. I've never heard of a Migurd growing so big... Just what sorts of food are they growing beyond the Magic Continent?"

Roxy didn't respond.

...It was probably better if her father didn't learn that Roxy used her body as a testing ground for magic to stimulate growth.

Or that she had a phase where she went around testing healing magic on animals and monsters.

Or about that one time she kept an underground facility where she tested out making homunculi and chimeras...

...It was a good thing that she cleared them all out and repurposed the facility for something else before Rudy showed up.

Rowin sighed. "Still. To think the day would come when I not only see my daughter again, but send her off to marry..."

Roxy blushed. "S-Sorry. I should have sent more letters."

Rowin smiled. "We love you all the same, Roxy. It was enough just knowing that you're safe and happy. But to know that you found a place where you belong... As parents, is there anything else that would make us more proud?"

Roxy couldn't meet her father's warm smile.

That sort of unconditional love... why couldn't she realize it at the time?

How worried must her parents have been about her? How many years did they stare at the village entrance, wondering if she show up there again?

"...I'll visit more often."

Rowin patted Roxy's shoulder. "Don't worry. What's a few decades? Just sending a letter is fine... Though it would be nice to see our grandchildren before they get big."

Roxy nodded. "I promise."

After a long walk, they arrived at the main entrance of the school.

Rowin walked ahead to open the doors.

And then a loud ruckus echoed from outside.

Roxy frowned and walked over to take a look.

The courtyard was fine. It was set up with intricately carved pillars and figurines that Zanoba made for the wedding. And the guests had already arrives and seated.

They weren't the source of the ruckus.

No, that was from the giant crowd behind the academy's front gate trying to force their way in.

Roxy blinked and then covered her face with her hands. "I should have expected this..."

Despite everything, and despite her constantly chucking people out of her office, Roxy WAS a popular figure in the kingdom of Ranoa.

Not only that, but she had received quite a few letters over the years from students of both genders.

Roxy thought that she'd done enough prep work ahead of time to handle it, but it seemed she underestimated how popular she was...

A young man wearing an academy uniform flew over the gates, landing on the ground. "I ob-"

Before he could get out two words, another young man rushed at him.

Round-rimmed glasses, disheveled brown hair kept in a bob-cut. And a pair of robes meant for battle mages.

Zanoba, Roxy's second and only other disciple.

He immediately grabbed the intruder and then stomped the ground. A magic formation formed beneath his feet, preventing the ground from shattering. But it didn't dissipate his force.

Spinning around from the momentum of the stomp, Zanoba tossed the young man back over the gates and said, "Begone!"

The man flew away, turning into a twinkling star.

After that, Zanoba turned to look at the crowd and smacked a hand against his chest. "Who else dares to interrupt the scared union between my master and senior brother!?"

Roxy let out a deep sigh at hearing that.

...It seemed that Zanoba learned well from those strange texts she found in dungeons. The martial arts and methods on controlling excessive force were useful... but it seemed like it turned her already eccentric disciple into an even more eccentric individual...

The gate suddenly broke down, and a crowd of older noblemen rushed in.

But before they took a single step, Aisha appeared and swung two wands in an X shape.

The first was Rudy's old wand, shimmering with every basic element.

The second was a fancy wand that seemed carved from pure amethyst.

The moment those two intersected each other's paths, a kaleidoscope of colors erupted and sent the men flying backwards, pushing the crowd back.

Glaring at the crowd, Aisha lowered her wands and then said, "Perverted old noblemen aren't allowed!"

Zanoba and Aisha weren't the only ones who were working to hold the crowd back though.

Roxy glanced off to the side and saw Norn being held back by Roland.

"Let me go, Rolo! I'll bring those bad guys to justice!" She kicked her legs and kept trying to draw Rolo's sword.

Roland did his best to keep her away from it and said, "Blood should not be shed at a wedding, Aunt Norn-"

"I'll burn the wounds, don't worry!"

"..."

Roxy sighed.

The others were definitely going to tease her about this...

Roxy shook her head and turned towards her father. "Come on, Father. Let's- F-Father?"

Rowin looked up at Roxy, smiling. And holding a machete that definitely wasn't anywhere near earlier???

He patted Roxy on the shoulder and said, "Father will send you off early. Right now, there's some business to attend to."

After saying that, he started walking towards the gate, the back of his machete leaned against his right shoulder.

When he got close to the crowd, he pointed his machete at them and said, "So you all want to ruin my daughter's greatest day?"

Roland glanced over and then his eyes widened. Turning back, he said, "Eos! Grab him!"

Eos walked out from the guest section. But as she looked at Rowin and then the crowd, she shook her head. "No, I kind of agree with Grandpa Rowin. And it's fine if we make it non-lethal, right?"

Norn raised her hand and said, "Yeah, Rolo! We'll just beat them up! So let me down!"

Roland let out a long suffering sigh.

Seeing all that, Roxy let out a long sigh too. And then she pointedly decided to ignore them all and focus on the wedding.

If she pretended it didn't exist, it might as well not.

But before she could even take a single step, someone appeared on her right side to escort her.

When Roxy saw who it was, her eyes widened and she said, "Paul?"

Paul held out his left arm and said, "I hope you don't mind, Roxy."

Roxy shook her head and allowed him to escort her down the aisle. As she did though, she frowned and said, "I didn't expect you to escort me."

Paul smiled and said, "I've always seen you like a teenaged daughter since you started teaching Rudy. ...Though I never thought that you'd actually end up like this."

Roxy blushed. "M-Me neither..."

Paul laughed. "You don't need to hide it, Roxy. I know you were crushing on Rudy ever since he was a cute little boy."

Roxy blushed. "D-Did not!"

Paul just winked in response.

Roxy sighed and then took a look around.

Unlike with Eri and Sylphy, Roxy had invited a lot of guests. And looking around, she could see that most were there.

The staff who stormed out because of Rudy but eventually came back around.

Her teacher, Jinas Halfas.

The famous 'Bloody Count' who was the first person to teach Roxy magic and the one who wrote the recommendation letter for her to study at the Ranoa Magic Academy.

Nokopara and Blaze, her former party members.

Various acquaintances she made while adventuring.

Recent alumni, at least the ones actually in Roxy's good graces...

And even more people.

Paul noticed Roxy looking and then said, "Man. You sure are popular." He chuckled and said, "Rika's wedding was a spectacle, but this is a full-blown affair."

"You aren't using those words properly, Paul. But also..." She glanced back at the creaking gates and then said, "Rudy isn't going to snap and murder them all, is he?"

"Relax." Paul smiled and said, "I made the kid promise to not murder them all during the wedding before I walked over."

Roxy let out a sigh of relief. "That's good- Wait." She caught the last part of Paul's words and said, "'During' the wedding?"

Paul shrugged. "I don't usually condone murder, but when I do... definitely wedding crashers."

Roxy sighed and did her best to distract herself from the chaos unfolding in the back.

The aisle was covered in beautiful blue petals. Music was playing from a live band off to the side...

And then they had arrived.

At that time, Roxy finally looked up at Rudy.

To others, he had light brown hair and green eyes.

But Roxy could see that it was just a magic trick.

Literally.

Still, wearing that tuxedo and standing there, regardless of his hair and eye color, Rudy cut a handsome figure.

...And that was the man that Roxy would be marrying.

Her husband.

That was still such a strange thought...

At that time, Paul handed Roxy off to Rudy, placing her hands in his.

Rudy smiled as he took Roxy's hands and guided her to stand in front of him. "Thanks, Dad."

Paul gave a thumbs up and said, "Anytime, Kid." He paused. "Wait, actually no more times. Your moms will LITERALLY kill me if you marry someone else so-"

Roxy cleared her throat.

Paul laughed and then walked off.

Then it was just Rudy and Roxy, standing in front of the priest.

Rudy smiled and then glanced at the crowd outside. "I knew that my lovely Master was well-received, but if it's like this, I might have to thin the crowd a bit."

Roxy rolled her eyes. "Even if they're idiots, they're useful idiots. Not to mention the paperwork I'd have to do..."

"So no?"

"No."

"Aw..."

Despite the clear discussion of murder, the priest overseeing the wedding ceremony ignored it.

Instead, he let out a warm smile and started the ceremony.

During the time, Roxy just stared at Rudy.

She hadn't had the chance to observe him up close, but now that she did have the chance...

A handsome face, almost unnaturally so. Perfectly proportioned, with unblemished skin. Soft eyes, but ones with a sharp and piercing gaze.

A body that was thin, but definitely well-trained judging from how his tapered suit hugged his body.

And a natural 'aura' around him that emitted strength. His mana, reaching a point that it had a tangible presence.

Staring into Rudy's eyes, Roxy sent a mental message. 'You've grown into a fine man, Rudy.'

Rudy's eyes widened a bit. But then he smiled and responded in kind. 'And you finally look like an adult, Master.'

'Tch. Smartass.'

'It's a compliment. It'd be weird if you still looked like a kid, you know? Especially now that I'm an adult.'

'That's prejudice.'

'...No? I think that's normal? Liking someone who looks like they're in their early teens at best is kind of creepy...'

'So you're saying the Rudy in the other timeline was an irredeemable pervert for marrying the Roxy there?'

'Oh absolutely. I have firsthand knowledge of exactly how perverse that guy was too.'

'...First hand?'

Rudy cleared his throat.

At that time, the priest nodded towards Rudy and handed him a ring. "Rudy. Please, offer your vows to the bride."

Rudy took the ring and nodded. After that, he raised Roxy's left hand, holding the ring with his right.

Roxy stared at the ring.

A simple golden band, but adorned with a purple magic crystal, molded into the shape of a violet.

Slipping it onto Roxy's left ring finger, Rudy smiled and said, "With this ring, I pledge to you." He looked into Roxy's eyes and said, "To cherish and to hold, to love and to provide. For your happiness, for now, and for always."

Roxy smiled back at Rudy and then sent him a message. 'You always did have a knack for words.'

'I try.'

'...But don't think I missed the fact that you said pledge and not vow.'

Rudy's eyes trembled. 'D-Did I say something else? Fuck. Dammit. I knew I should have rehearsed more. Fuck. Shit. @#$@#!#!@#!$%!@#'

Roxy giggled.

"And now you, Roxy." The priest handed Roxy a ring.

She took it and gave it a once over.

Billions of tightly interconnected mana threads and formations. Dungeon cores and various precious metals ground up as powder, used as a catalyst to bind them.

On the surface, it just seemed like a pretty golden ring with intricate carvings. But the truth was that it was a ridiculous magical focus that could turn even a novice's spell into a continent shattering blast.

But in any case...

Roxy slipped the ring on Rudy's left ring finger and said, "With this ring, I vow to give you my love and everything." Looking into Rudy's eyes, she smiled and said, "Even against the gods themselves, I will remain by your side. This I swear."

Rudy flinched.

Heh. It seemed like her disciple had a conscience after all.

Faced with their unequal vows, Rudy could only respond by letting out a silly smile.

Roxy laughed at that.

The priest nodded and then said, "With the exchange of rings and vows, we bring this ceremony to an end. Now." He looked at Rudy and said, "You may kiss the bride."

Rudy nodded and leaned forward.

But before he could, Roxy reached around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.

Whistles and catcalls filled the air, the loudest of them being Paul.

From outside, a chorus of boos echoed. But those were quickly suppressed by loud applause.

Roxy leaned back and smiled at Rudy. "You can't run now, Rudy."

Rudy was a bit surprised, but then he smiled and said, "I didn't plan on it."

Rudy moved and then held his left arm to escort Roxy.

Roxy shifted to hug his arm, leaning against him.

...She felt a trio of piercing gazes staring at her, but she ignored them for now.

Rudy smiled and then started walking her back down the aisle towards the school.

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